Washington’s Best Travel Spots: 11 Places Better Than a Tourist Trap

If somebody you knew was coming to visit Washington State for the very first time, where would you take them?

Far too many people think Washington is only about the city of Seattle, from the Throwing Fisherman at Pike Place Market to the Space Needle. They couldn't be more wrong!

Washington State: A Place Filled with Wonder, Awe, and Fun

The Industry State of WA Tourism reported over 10 million people came to visit in its latest report, resulting in over 91 million trips. The Washington Tourism Marketing Authority revealed that these visitors are spending millions of dollars a day.

• Tourism in Washington is a billion-dollar industry.
• Visitors spend $60 million dollars a day in Washington on average. 
• Washington State's tourism industry adds nearly $2.4 billion to state tax revenue.

Most people see the stats and think the rain happens in the upper Westside of Washington, but the truth is, the rest of the state is generally sunny or cloudy.

Don't get it twisted, it gets really hot in the summertime, especially in the Central Washington region. (I've lived through many 107-degree days in the sunniest part of the state!)

Read More: Yakima’s Best Kept Luxury Secrets: The Big 10

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Know Before You Go

Local Tip:

• Wintertime can get rough if you're traveling by car, especially over certain mountain passes like Snoqualmie, Blewett, and Stevens. Make sure you carry an emergency winter road kit in case you get stuck over a pass.

Here's my list of eleven places I'd send first-time visitors to visit, beyond the typical tourist traps. See if you agree!

1. Numerica Sky Ride in Spokane
2. The patio view from Lu Lu Craft Bar + Kitchen in Richland
3. Seattle Chinatown International District
4. Hama Hama Oysters in Lilliwaup
5. The Whale Trail in the Puget Sound and Coastal regions
6. Twede's Cafe in North Bend
7. The Lodge at St. Edward State Park 
8. The Museum of Glass in Tacoma
9. Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve in Tulalip
10. Roslyn Cafe Mural in Roslyn
11. The Museum of Illusions in Seattle